The City of St. Paul recently experienced a cyberattack, leaving the extent of the breach and the data compromised uncertain. If you’ve been affected by a cybersecurity breach, there are several measures you can take to protect your information and prevent further harm.
Firstly, place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. This alert will last for a year, ensuring creditors verify your identity before opening new accounts or increasing credit limits.
Consider putting a security freeze on your credit report, which prevents unauthorized access to your credit information. While this can be an effective safeguard, be aware it might complicate processes for new loans or credit lines. You can unfreeze your account if needed.
Obtain a free copy of your credit report annually from the centralized platform provided by the three credit bureaus. Check for inaccuracies or unfamiliar accounts that might indicate identity theft.
Monitor your financial accounts closely for suspicious activity, and report any unauthorized transactions to your bank or credit card company immediately.
Be vigilant against phishing, vishing, and smishing scams, where fraudsters attempt to acquire personal information by posing as trustworthy entities. Always verify the authenticity of requests for personal data by contacting companies through reliable channels.
Report any identity theft or scams to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which maintains a database of such incidents and collaborates with law enforcement.
The FTC also offers resources on cybersecurity basics, including device encryption and strong password practices. Additionally, the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency provides free services and tools to support critical infrastructure and government entities in enhancing their cybersecurity measures.
